Joe Clark
Clark was the principal of Paterson, New Jersey, Eastside High School, and his efforts to improve school standards earned him national attention. The high school principal, who was the inspiration for Morgan Freeman’s 1989 film Lean On Me, died at 82 after fighting an unspecified disease on December 29. According to his family statement, Clark died in Gainesville, Florida, and was surrounded by loved ones.
Joe Clark
Phil Niekro
After a long battle with cancer, the MLB player, whose signature knuckleball got him inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997, died in his sleep at 81 on 26 December. In a statement, the Atlanta Braves remembered him as “a constant presence over the years, in our clubhouse, our alumni activities and throughout Braves Country.” Niekro is survived by Nancy’s wife, Philip’s sons, John and Michael, and two grandchildren.
Phil Niekro